Blood pressure

[KizzyKoala]

I’ve been on blood pressure medication for a couple of years. I’ve been over weight during that time and wondering how I know if I no longer need it once I get to healthy BMI.

I’ve lost over 2 stone and another half a stone will see me to the middle of the healthy BMI range. If I no longer need the medication, would it be making my BP too low? Is that how I’d know? Or would I have to stop taking it to see? Or am I best just to keep taking it as a precaution. I have a BP monitor at home so can check it.

Record your blood pressure twice a day fur a week, work out the average and submit the readings to your GP surgery. Then you can have a conversation with the appropriate person there (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) and decide whether you need to continue the medication.

I take my BP periodically with my home monitor and check that it’s not too low. If it was consistently lower than the optimal range then I would make an appointment with my GP to discuss.

If your BP is too low you might notice symptoms like dizziness and light headedness.

I was monitored by my gp, you need to make an appt and have them see yoh, my dosage was reduced then I was taken off.

I monitored mine for a week once a month (first thing in morning before any food/coffee etc) and later in the evening. Using the OMRON TruRead function which takes the average of 3 readings.

Home readings, medicated, were initially 120/85 (in GP surgery they were 140/90)

They went down to 100/70 at home (120/75 at GP, done by nurse at check up). I sent a download of my home readings history into GP and they called and took me off BP meds.

Now unmedicated by BP meds the last 11 months they have gone down to 90/60 at home (100/60 at GP) which is on the low side, especially for my age.

GP readings are usually higher than home readings, but if you can see your home readings reducing it is worth a chat with your GP to see if/when you can trial reducing BP meds. I wouldn't do it without supervision by your GP.

Thank you all. I will start a week of home monitoring this week and contact my GP if levels are lower.